"From the Top," Public Radio International's national hit show, will return to Honolulu early next year for two live tapings, one in Honolulu and another on Maui.

Local classical musicians, their teachers and mentors are advised to apply soon for auditions.

The show, which first visited the Islands last December and tapped seven young musicians, will return in January, giving budding artists an opportunity to perform before a national audience. Ages 8 through 18 are eligible.

The tapings will be at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Hawai'i Theatre and Jan. 13 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theatre. Concert pianist Christopher O'Riley will host, and pre-college-age musicians are sought for the showcase concerts.

"We're really delighted that the program is returning to Hawai'i this soon; it's a ringing endorsement of not just the talent available here locally, but also of the depth of the teaching community here as well," said Michael Titterton, president and general manager of Hawai'i Public Radio.

Applications for an audition must be submitted by Nov. 1. Download forms from the From the Top Web site, www .fromthetop.org, or through a link at HPR's www.hawaiipub licradio.org.

For more information, reach Judy Neale at Hawai'i Public Radio, 955-8821.